How a new wave of lean, specialized firms like Leverage with Media PR is reshaping media strategy for non-fiction founders
Today’s nonstop news cycle makes visibility critical. For entrepreneurs—especially in non-fiction spaces like consulting, thought leadership, and author-led brands—earned media often separates those who stay niche from those who scale.
But while legacy PR firms once dominated the path to visibility, a new trend is emerging: entrepreneurs are increasingly turning away from the Madison Avenue model and embracing a more nimble, personalized alternative.
Boutique agencies—small, focused teams with deep expertise—are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for founders who want results, not red tape. And leading the charge is Leverage with Media PR, a firm run by former television producer turned media strategist Lauren Cobello. Her team’s ascent underscores a broader industry shift that’s favoring precision over prestige.
A Smarter Fit for Entrepreneurial Brands
For decades, large public relations firms sold clients on global reach, massive media lists, and an army of account executives. But many entrepreneurs—especially those bootstrapping or self-funding—are finding those promises overstated and the results underwhelming.
“Big PR firms often come with big bureaucracy,” Cobello explains. “You might sign with a well-known name, but you end up working with a junior associate who doesn’t really know your business.”
This disconnect has left many founders frustrated—and searching for more tailored solutions.
At Leverage with Media PR, clients work directly with senior strategists. There’s no bait-and-switch. From message development to media outreach, the firm delivers handcrafted strategies anchored in the client’s voice and goals.
“We only take on clients whose stories we believe in,” says Cobello. “That allows us to go deeper, move faster, and get better results.”
Specialization: The Boutique Advantage
Unlike generalist firms chasing contracts across industries, boutique PR agencies are known for focus. Leverage with Media PR is a prime example. The firm exclusively works with non-fiction authors, subject-matter experts, and entrepreneur-led brands—often those launching books, scaling thought leadership, or entering a more public phase of business growth.
This tight focus means the team understands the nuances of earned media in ways that large agencies simply don’t.
“Most of our clients are looking to appear in high-trust outlets—morning shows, business publications, credible podcasts,” Cobello says. “They’re not influencers chasing likes. They’re professionals building legacies. And our approach reflects that.”
The benefits are clear: faster onboarding, less hand-holding, and strategic alignment from day one. Clients don’t have to educate their PR firm on the basics of their field. The agency already knows the terrain—and how to navigate it.
Agility in a Fast-Moving Media Landscape
Timing is everything in media. Stories rise and fall in hours, not days. A reactive PR strategy—or worse, one bogged down in bureaucratic approval chains—can miss the window for relevance.
This is where boutique firms excel.
With fewer internal layers and tighter client portfolios, firms like Leverage with Media PR can pivot quickly. When a national conversation shifts or a breaking news cycle opens up an opportunity, they’re ready to act.
“We’ve had situations where a client needed to respond to a trending topic within hours,” Cobello recalls. “At a larger firm, that would’ve taken days. We got her quoted in a major outlet the same afternoon.”
That speed—and the ability to seize fleeting opportunities—is increasingly critical for entrepreneurs trying to break through the noise.
Media Relationships That Matter
One of the most common misconceptions in PR is that bigger agencies have better media access. But often, it’s the smaller, specialist firms that maintain deeper, more trusted relationships with key editors and producers.
Cobello, who spent years booking segments for national morning shows, understands what journalists actually want. And she’s built her agency to deliver exactly that.
“We don’t send out generic press blasts,” she says. “When we pitch, it’s personalized, timely, and relevant. Media contacts know that when they hear from us, it’s worth their attention.”
This trust, she argues, is a boutique agency’s secret weapon—and it often leads to placements that money alone can’t buy.
Value Without the Bloat
There’s no denying that PR can be expensive. Monthly retainers at major firms regularly exceed five figures, and outcomes aren’t guaranteed. For early-stage founders or solo entrepreneurs, those numbers are often out of reach.
Boutique agencies, on the other hand, operate lean. With smaller teams, lower overhead, and streamlined services, they can offer more affordable packages—without sacrificing quality.
“We focus on results, not reporting,” says Cobello. “We’re not going to charge you $20,000 a month for spreadsheets. We’re going to get you featured on platforms that actually move the needle.”
That clarity of purpose often translates into a higher return on investment, especially for clients looking to make a big impact on a reasonable budget.
From Undiscovered to Unmissable: A Case Study
The success stories coming out of boutique firms speak for themselves. One recent client of Leverage with Media PR—a financial literacy expert and first-time author—had little media exposure when she approached the agency. Within 90 days, her book had been featured on Good Morning America, and she’d landed interviews with Forbes, Entrepreneur, and several high-visibility podcasts.
“Before we started working together, she was virtually unknown outside her niche,” Cobello explains. “Now, she’s seen as a go-to expert in her field.”
This kind of transformation—strategic, fast, and sustainable—is what boutique PR firms are built to deliver.
Who Should Consider a Boutique PR Firm?
The boutique model isn’t for everyone. But for entrepreneurs seeking meaningful media exposure without the bureaucracy of big agency life, it can be the ideal fit.
You’re likely a good candidate if:
- You’re launching a book, course, or consulting brand
- You value direct access to your strategist (not junior staff)
- You operate in a defined niche or vertical
- You want fast, responsive action—not slow-moving teams
- You care more about trusted media than viral reach
- You want measurable ROI from your PR spend
If that sounds like you, Leverage with PR might offer the clarity, control, and impact you’ve been missing.
Selective by Design
Leverage with Media PR isn’t chasing volume. The firm accepts only a limited number of clients at any given time, a model designed to preserve bandwidth and ensure quality. It’s part of what makes their approach work.
“We’re not the right fit for everyone,” Cobello acknowledges. “But for entrepreneurs who are ready to elevate their credibility and influence, we offer something bigger firms can’t: real partnership.”
Final Take
The media landscape has changed. The expectations of entrepreneurs have changed. And PR—once the domain of glossy firms and vague deliverables—is evolving too.
Boutique PR agencies are rising to meet this moment, combining specialization, speed, and senior-level strategy into a model that’s well-suited for today’s founders. In the right hands, visibility becomes more than press—it becomes leverage.
Explore What Boutique PR Can Do for You
Leverage with Media PR helps entrepreneurs turn expertise into earned media. To learn more or inquire about working with their team, visit Leverage with Media PR and start building your media presence today.
